Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Crazy Bus


Bird House Rose, photo taken by Delia

I have twenty minutes to get all caught up on Chickenblog... it ain't gonna happen.

Life is crazy right now. And I am driving the bus. Everyone is settling in to their school routines and I am figuring out how to get from here to there, then around over to that place and back to point B before the last bell rings. I really do need to print a master schedule and tape it to the steering wheel, so I can skip the "oh-my-gosh! who did I forget to pick up and drop off?!" panic seizure.

Okay. Real quick before I leave to bring Alex home, I want to say a thing or two for the sake of posteri of prosperi... because I want to.

1. My Mommy was here for a helpful and supportive visit. She saw me though every up and down and crashing wave of our escrow process. There really was never a dull moment. My plan was to let her cheer me on as I packed up everything and then to witness our first days in our own home. Alas, this was not to be.

2. My Mommy is safe and sound and back in Oregon with her sweetheart and the last of the blackberries. She did not get to see us take possession of The Bird House, but she held our hands through the tough bits.

3. The Blue House is a Bird House and in a matter of days we will have our own keys.

4. Seriously.

5. We are that close.

6. I cannot believe it either.

7. What a trip this has been.

8. I have hardly begun to get my thoughts around it, but when I do realize certain things the joy is overwhelming.

9. It is totally awesome!

10. oh-my-gosh! who did I forget to pick up and drop off?!

11. I gotta get Alex.

12. I'll be right back. There's so much more to share...

Crazy Bus: Part II

Did you hear me sigh?
Yeah.
Alex is home. Max and Maria are home. William is home. I don't have to be at Maria's school's Parent's Night until six, and then the first Robotics' meeting of the season begins at 6:30, so yeah... crazy days, and nights.

Six years ago we began paving the way for our family to live in Hawaii. We sold our beloved El Rancho, where we were Jolly Green Ranchers, rounding up three hens and living under a big, blue sky. We moved in to a rental house we affectionately called The TreeHouse and though it was a strange and snug fit, we had some very good times there. It was in the TreeHouse that we made friends with Tamsyn, brought home Maria, and waited for time and tide to give us a chance on the Big Island. Then we had to find a new rental. We hoped it would be very-very temporary, but somehow we have been here in Garage Mahal for three years. I cannot say they have been 'the best years of our lives...' no one will ever hold me up as an example of how to patiently bide your time and manage life in a suburban rental palace. Oh well. When fate and circumstances finally closed the door on Hawaii for good, we turned our focus and house search to So Cal... it's been a trying path, but somehow we finally matched our needs and dreams with a place we can make our own.

It feels like a Bird House... a place that is pretty and welcoming, safe for us, and a place where we have been delighted to see red tailed hawks, a big owl, many quail, doves, ravens and sparrows. Soon we'll add a chicken, then maybe some more chickens. No one voted for "Chicken Crest!" Go figure...

I'm light headed, which I attribute to lack of sleep, a very long and full day, giddy anticipation, and complete, utter dread of packing all of our worldly treasures, while keeping things "respectable" enough for the landlord to bring in prospective tenants. Like a true Scarlett I will think about that tomorrow...


Oh. My. Goodness.
Pinch me.

19 comments:

nikkipolani said...

HURRAH!!
Unfortunately, there's nothing bigger I can type in these comments than in all caps and bold... but you know what I mean. YIPEEEEEE! I have your housewarming rose ready and waiting ;-)

Marielle said...

what wonderful news! May the Lord bless your new home and yur family.

judy in ky said...

Yay! Such happy news! The Blue House/Bird House is real! It's beautiful! I am going to do a happy dance for you and open a bottle of wine. While you're packing, just think... this time it's for good!

Please show us a photo of the keys when you receive them!

Julie said...

That's fabulous! I'm very happy for you! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, Natalie, I'm so happy for you and your family! I've been checking for good news every (many times!) a day. Looking forward to more stories and photos.
Sylvia

Mama Spark said...

Really? After how long this is the ONLY photo we get to see of the new place?? I want, no I need, to see more. I am so thrilled for you and your family!! LTW is buying a new house and about 10 acres. So you will both be urban farmers. She will be getting alpacas and some chickens. I am very happy for you and for the family!

Katie said...

Uber congratulations! That last picture speaks volumes about your excitement, and made me giggle for you. Everyone here is rooting for you!

Lesley said...

Hooray! At long last!
Congratulations, and have a lot of fun!

lusks said...

Great news, oh my goodness look at all those tiny panes of windows, a window cleaners nightmare. Best wishes for the next part of your journay.

Laura Jane said...

Happy Days! Congratulations!

How wonderful to have your very own Bird House at last. I look forward to seeing you discover the pleasures of living there.

I've never known you without the wistfulness of yearning for a birdhouse of your own again.

Who will you be now that you've become all SETTLED?

Tracy said...

HOORAY! So very, very happy for you all, Natalie! That photo of you at the end with lovely Blue House has me in happy tears for you...Sooo thrilled! :o) ((HUGS))

warren said...

It looks like a great place! And I ma so glad that it's getting closer! It has been a journey but I am sure you will love it! I guess I didn't know all the prior plans that you had gone through...I can def understand why you want to get into the new place!

Helen said...

Are you sure this time?

Janece said...

Natalie - I'm crying. Happy. So happy.

I love you!

Tiglizzyclone said...

That is great news! I hope all goes smoothly during this time!

Jennifer said...

13. Congratulations! Enjoy the making of it into your home, your haven, your nest. (I think that's why I like the name Bird House best.)
so much love,
J.

Simone said...

Gorgeous! Love it! Happy!

tea time and roses said...

Natalie!

Oh my goodness my friend, this is absolutely wonderful!!!!:o) I am so happy for you and your sweet family! Oh my this is just wonderful! Enjoy your brand new home!!!:o)

Smiles...

Beverly

mtnchild said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best ... ease of finishing packing, ease of actually transporting all your possessions, and ease of settling in!!!

You deserve this more than any one I can think of at the moment!! I am sooo happy for you.

I got more chickens, now it is your turn after you settle a bit, or maybe not?!?!

Many hugs to you all!

Yvette